RE: AMG and Aston Martin tie the knot

[dinkel]

Speedraser said:

McLaren F1: McLaren, like Pagani (and in clear contrast to Aston Martin), had never made its own engine. Correct me if I'm wrong, but as I understand it the F1’s BMW V12 is bespoke to the F1 – you don’t see it in any BMW (or other) car. It was based on the existing V12, but was thoroughly reengineered for the F1. Now, with the 12C and P1, they had an engine designed expressly for them by Ricardo rather than retuning someone's existing engine. Yes, its roots can be traced to the old Nissan GTP engine, but it's so far removed from that as to qualify as bespoke. Again, this is what Aston needs from AMG. They don't need a from-scratch unique engine -- and the huge costs involved -- but one that is sufficiently removed from the AMG origins to be considered "bespoke."

Exactly this. Maserati using Ferrari engines: no sweat . . . but it isn't a Ferrari. It's still a lovely Italian GT car with a Maserati badge and carying all the Maserati heritage.

Speedraser said:

Would a Ferrari be a Ferrari if they started using retuned AMG engines? Not a chance. It’s no different with Aston Martin.

Wake up . . . As a brand of this world Ferrari is just a tad bigger than AM. I'd say: compare an elephant with a mouse.

As for us petrolheads: we ignore the difference. But it is there. I'm happy to see AM survive using AMG engines. Worked AMG engines.

[rogerhudson]

I hope this works for Aston, always a firm with troubles caused by its small size. I remember the early sixties when they used to say " Buy an Aston for 5,000 or buy DB Aston Martin, with its debts, for 20,000". So often on the edge.